Chapter 372: The Uprising
Saxon’s voice cut like a knife.
“This year, the Graham Group has invested 1 billion dollars in the Stewart Mall. According to the project ROI comparison, the return rate of Stewart’s Global Plan is the lowest of all the Graham Group’s projects. As head of the company, Fraser, you’ve abused your power for personal gain. Where is the rationality in your decisions? Moreover, the announcement of your marriage has caused the Graham Group’s stock to fluctuate. Are you even fit to hold the position of CEO?”
Recently, the Graham Group had announced Fraser’s engagement to Summer. Though many were displeased, no one had dared to challenge Fraser openly—until now. With Saxon leading the charge, the others seized the opportunity to air their grievances boldly.
“Mr. Graham, while we have no right to interfere in your marriage, if it destabilizes the company, that’s… unacceptable.”
“Exactly! Diverting the Graham Group’s resources to prop up the Stewart Mall—even as CEO, you have to answer to the shareholders!”
“If you’d married the heiress of the Lastesh Group, none of this would have happened. Our overseas market would have expanded even more.”
“Youth breeds arrogance. Acting unilaterally without regard for others is no way to run a company.”
In an instant, the solemn financial summit descended into chaos, the conference room buzzing like a marketplace. In one corner, the stenographer stood at a loss, unsure how to capture the unfolding drama. August leaned back in his seat, arms folded, a smug smile playing on his lips as he watched the pandemonium unfold. He picked up his phone. A new message flashed on the screen: “The photo was sent to Summer. Her bodyguards were intercepted. She’s on her way.” August’s grin widened, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening with satisfaction.
With Saxon leading the rebellion, the shareholders and elders were now united in their outrage against Fraser. If Fraser gave up the summit for this woman, I could finally push Aunt Helen into power. Once that happened, Fraser’s reign as CEO would crumble. And the Graham Group? It would inevitably fall into the hands of the Lateson family. The thought sent a ruthless thrill through August’s veins.
On stage, the vice president paced frantically, torn between intervening and retreating, utterly helpless. Meanwhile, Fraser remained seated, his sharp features unreadable, his fingers tapping the table with deliberate calm. Then Mike received an urgent message. He hesitated, unsure if he should report it. I knew that the wolves in this room were waiting for Fraser to slip away. Fraser couldn’t leave. But I also knew what Summer meant to him.
After a tense moment, Mike stepped forward and whispered, “Mr. Graham, a group of men intercepted Mrs. Graham’s bodyguards. By the time the situation was resolved, the Hemic was gone. We have confirmed that Mrs. Graham is not with the Stewart group either.”
In other words, Summer is missing. Fraser’s fingers stilled. His handsome face darkened. “What do you mean, not with the Stewart Group?”
Mike bowed his head. “I’ve already sent more men to look for her, sir.”
Fraser picked up his phone and dialed Summer’s number. The line rang endlessly. No answer. Ice flooded Fraser’s eyes. Without hesitation, he got up and headed for the exit. Mike rushed to block him. “Mr. Graham, you can’t leave! If you leave now, this situation will spiral out of control!”
“Move.”
Fraser’s voice was deadly cold, freezing the air around them. His glare sharpened. “Since when do you tell me what to do?”
Mike shuddered and reluctantly stepped aside. Fraser took one last look around the room and ordered, “Stay here. Keep me informed in real time.”
3:31 PM
Mike cried inside. How am I supposed to handle this? Those vultures would tear me apart. August watched Fraser’s retreating figure, elation surging through him. Walk! Walk out that door, Fraser Graham! And you’ll never reclaim this throne!